Swamped

"There was a big fellow at the party who chased us out of the galley," you note. "Maybe he could help lift."

You're not particularly eager to see that sailor again, but it's the best way you can see to get on the subject of the party.

"I suppose that could be useful if the party were still going on, but it should have ended by now. I don't think Mr. Graham will be particularly easy to find compared to anyone else at this point, especially since his actual shift should be starting soon."

Graham's his name? You hadn't realized.

"You know his name? Do you know the name of every sailor here?"

"It's improper to issue an order to someone without knowing their name," he replies. "If you do that, you're telling them that you don't think they matter outside of the job they're doing for you. That sort of attitude leads to mutinies."

You wouldn't have taken him to be the sort to think like that. Then again, the way he got there is entirely in-character. All about what's proper and practical, not a hint of real compassion.

"Guess you knew everyone's name at the party, then," you say with a chuckle. "Probably didn't see anyone who was more out of place than you, of course."

You don't really expect him to respond to that, but much to your surprise, he does.